This paper provides practical guidance for scholars and practitioners looking to develop more rigorous, comprehensive, and inclusive research that could guide proactive efforts to improve access, experiences, and outcomes for college students with disabilities. To do so, we (a) identify critical challenges affecting research and assessment related to college students with disabilities and the programs that serve them; (b) describe five broad principles and a variety of specific suggestions that could help overcome those problems; and (c) highlight the manner in which implementation of these strategies can be facilitated by the development of collaborative relationships and proactive partnerships.